RTG Decommissioning in the Russian Far East: Accomplishments and Future Plans

The National Nuclear Security Administration Global Threat Reduction Initiative (NNSA GTRI) and the Russian Federation (RF) Russian Research Center (Kurchatov Institute) are working together to reduce the threat presented by unsecured radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTGs) in the Russian Far East. Based on studies and pilot efforts already completed, it is possible to remove all RTGs from their operation places and transport them to safe storage at temporary storage site at SGUE “DalRAO” territory, Sysoeva Bay, during the next five years assuming the availability of financing support and other conditions necessary for conducting of activities intended for RTGs removal in Far East region. Under the current planning scenario, however, due to resource constraints, complete removal of all RTGs in the Far East will be completed no earlier than 2010. In this context, this paper describes the technical details of this program/partnership; the progress achieved to date; and, the plans for the future.